This past season, the Knicks couldn't afford Jalen Brunson's below-average or quiet performance.
They will have a hard time when that happens.
That's no longer the case.
The latest example occurred on Monday against the Raptors (139-125).
Brunson was held to 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting and 0-of-5 from 3-point range.
It didn't matter.
“I think we're lucky that JB didn't have to do what he did in the last game for us to get the win.” [on Monday]'' Karl-Anthony Towns said, referring to Brunson's 39 points in the Knicks' last game against the Pelicans. “That speaks to the growth of this team. He doesn't have to stand with the whole city on his back every night.”
The Knicks are 6-1 this year without Brunson scoring 20 points.
The previous two seasons they were 15-15.
Coach Tom Thibodeau's team has more offensive options, including Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Brunson is scoring 24.6 points this year, down from 28.7 points last year, and is averaging 4.4 fewer shots.
His assists (7.6) have increased by almost one per game, and his shooting percentage has also increased by one.
“That's great. I think it's going to open more doors for him,” Bridges said. “You can't help as much when you have to respect everyone. You're not going to help, it's going to be tough defending him. You want to keep the team honest, so they're going to keep it straight.” You have to play, and then JB goes into kill mode.”
Most importantly, the Knicks are on pace to win last year.
After 29 games, they have 19 wins and 10 losses.
At this point last season, they were 17-12, two games worse, and have dropped to 17-15 after 32 games.
Brunson has repeatedly stated that all that matters to him is the end result.
So when asked about his lowest point total after Monday's win, his answer was as expected.
“I'm really happy to win,” the Knicks captain said. “I’m really shitty.”
The Athletic first reported that the Knicks are signing sharpshooting wing Matt Ryan to a two-way contract and waiving guard Bou Bouye.
